Question

You respond to a local college campus for a patient with an altered mental status. You find a middle-aged male patient sitting in his office. His heart rate and blood pressure are elevated. He tells you that he has not urinated that day. You suspect this patient is experiencing:

MCQ Options:
a. Dehydration
b. Hyperglycemia
c. Opioid overdose
d. Heatstroke

Answer 1

The signs of altered mental status, elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and lack of urination suggest that the patient is likely experiencing dehydration or hypovolemic circulatory shock, which requires prompt treatment with intravenous fluids and potential medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with an altered mental status, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and a lack of urination throughout the day on a college campus is most likely experiencing signs of dehydration or circulatory shock, potentially due to hypovolemia (low blood volume) caused by dehydration. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to maintain adequate blood flow, resulting in insufficient oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues. In such a case, treatment generally involves providing intravenous fluids and medications to restore normal function and raise blood pressure. It is important to attend to the patient promptly, as shock can lead to a positive-feedback loop where the condition worsens rapidly if not corrected.